With the impending inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, all eyes are on the plans, appointments, and executive actions anticipated to take place as he steps back onto the national stage. Karoline Leavitt, soon-to-be the White House Press Secretary, has shared insights about Trump's first day actions, indicating significant changes on key issues such as immigration and energy policies.
During her appearance on Fox News's Sunday Morning Futures, Leavitt hinted at plans to issue executive orders addressing multiple campaign promises aimed at securing the southern border and expediting drilling permits. “He will use the power of his pen to deliver on many of the promises he made to the American people on the campaign trail to secure our southern border, to fast-track permits for fracking, for drilling, and to also take executive action to stop some of the transgender insanity,” she stated.
On the immigration front, Leavitt noted potential actions concerning Title 42, which allowed the expulsion of migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic. This Trump-era policy, ending officially last May, could be revisited as part of Trump’s broader immigration strategy. "Well, securing the southern border, perhaps looking at Title 42. Many of these executive actions are still being considered by our policy teams and also our lawyers,” she elaborated, providing insight on the administration’s thought process.
Leavitt also mentioned Trump’s plan to undertake what he describes as the largest mass deportation of illegal immigrants ever attempted. “President Trump is also going to launch the largest mass deportation of illegal criminals in American history,” she claimed. This statement raises practical questions among experts about the feasibility and economic impacts of such widespread immigration enforcement efforts.
Transitioning to appointments, Trump has begun to shape his administration with notable figures. Among them is billionaire Tilman Fertitta, owner of the Houston Rockets, who has been nominated as U.S. ambassador to Italy. Fertitta’s nomination complements Trump's strategy to fill key diplomatic roles with known allies and supporters.
Other significant nominations include Mark Burnett, famed producer of “The Apprentice,” who has been selected as special envoy to the U.K., and Stephen Miran as Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. Miran is expected to play a substantial role, reflecting Trump’s focus on economic policy informed by conservative think tank perspectives.
Trump's choice of individuals indicates reliance on personal connections and proven loyalty. For example, former NFL player Herschel Walker is set to be the ambassador to the Bahamas, having established his relationship with Trump dating back decades.
Trump has also tapped several more traditional political figures for key posts. Marco Rubio, the Florida senator who has shifted from critic to close ally, is nominated as Secretary of State, marking a significant appointment due to Rubio's foreign policy expertise. If approved, he would become the first Latino to hold the position.
The proposed cabinet reflects Trump’s strategy to surround himself with loyalists and capable figures who align with his agenda, having also selected Kristi Noem for Secretary of Homeland Security—critical for implementing the administration's tough immigration stances.
Among more controversial appointments is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services, sparking concern due to his well-known anti-vaccine stance and radical public health views. Many anticipate this could drastically change the focus of health policy and public health management.
Further appointments continue to raise eyebrows, such as Kash Patel for FBI Director, illustrating Trump’s intent to overhaul agencies he perceives as hostile. Patel’s loyalty and past experiences within Trump’s inner circle position him as someone who could reshape federal law enforcement priorities.
More broadly, Elon Musk's involvement as head of the new Department of Government Efficiency highlights Trump’s focus on leveraging private sector efficiency within government operations. Both Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are expected to implement reforms aimed at reducing federal bureaucracy through this department.
Trump is reportedly working with right-wing groups and billionaire backers to develop his second-term agenda, with significant influence from the America First Policy Institute—a think tank closely identified with Trump’s populist policies.
The current transition period is reflective of Trump’s past approaches, repeating patterns from his first term by emphasizing personal relationships over traditional nominations. Notable is the nomination of Tulsi Gabbard, the former congresswoman and controversial figure, as Director of National Intelligence, indicating Trump’s consolidation of power and intent to pursue favorable media narratives.
One clear theme emerges from Trump’s upcoming administration and its strategic appointments: loyalty to the Trump brand and priorities will take precedence over conventional political norms. The execution of these initial plans and the effectiveness of their implementation will define Trump’s upcoming term.
With Trump’s broad ambitions placed before the American public, the focus shifts to how these plans will affect governance and policy moving forward. Anti-establishment sentiments alongside strong, committed figures could either fracture or solidify the political environment as Trump embarks on another four-year term.
